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Article: Ethical Fashion vs. Sustainable Fashion–Let’s Talk About It

Ethical Fashion vs. Sustainable Fashion–Let’s Talk About It

Ethical Fashion vs. Sustainable Fashion–Let’s Talk About It

There’s no shortage of buzzwords in the fashion lexicon, but two phrases seem to pop up more often these days: ethical fashion and sustainable fashion. At this point, you might be wondering, "what exactly is ethical fashion and why is it so important?" Sustainability is on the tip of everyone's tongue, but perhaps you’re a little unsure of what that really means, too. Since you’re here at Grey State Apparel—and you might even be browsing our elevated sustainable essentials right now—we're guessing you want the scoop. 


We'll break down these terms below (no fluff, promise) and explore how you can contribute to a more ethical, sustainable fashion industry from a consumer perspective.

Defining Sustainable vs. Ethical Fashion

There are many ways to tackle this ever-evolving topic, but let’s start by defining what sustainable and ethical fashion really are. 


Ethical fashion, by definition, is categorized by clothing and accessories brands that take measures to reduce harm to people and the planet. Ethical fashion brands create their own internal standards, often with specific guidelines. Some examples of ethical fashion guidelines are below:

  • Fair wages

  • Safe working conditions

  • Sustainable sourcing

  • Supply chain transparency

  • Environmental considerations

  • Responsible/mindful marketing

 

How can you tell if clothing is ethically made? Look for transparent evidence that they’re sticking to the guidelines above. Don’t settle for vague claims and cleverly written fluff that sounds nice, but doesn’t really promise anything specific. Ethical brands often feature a landing page that explains their initiatives and in detail and outlines future goals.


Now, let’s move on to sustainability.

What is sustainable clothing? The United Nations defines sustainable as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Sustainable fashion can be considered a sub-category of ethical fashion. These brands work to reduce their overall impact on the planet, leveraging processes like…

  • Sourcing organic natural fibers 

  • Using natural dyes 

  • Waterless washing and finishing

  • Choosing biodegradable materials

  • Opting for small batch or print-on-demand collections

How Does Grey State Apparel Approach Sustainability?

 

We rely on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 goals that impact global crises, such as poverty, gender inequality, and climate change. Our manufacturing processes, sustainability efforts, and charitable giving all align to these goals. 
Here are some more specific ways we aim for sustainability:

  • Traceability - Our clothes are fully traceable from the bale of cotton to the final product. Our integrated supply chain is geared to produce in a sustainable, responsible and transparent manner, allowing full traceability from fiber to finished product. 

  • 100% USA Cotton - Not only is cotton USA of superior quality and durability, but it also follows industry leading standards of sustainability. Cotton USA farmers grow cotton on family owned farms, passed down through generations.

  • Recycled Fabric - Approximately 15% of fabric is wasted during the production process, usually to be burned or discarded into landfills. By recycling textile waste we save water, dyes, and chemicals that would have been needed to process “new” fabric. 

  • Natural, Non-Toxic Dyes - Our natural dyes are made with 100% traceable mineral dyes, these eco-friendly dyes are not only stunning, but they’re natural and biodegradable.


Read more about our sustainability standards.

 

Supporting Ethical and Sustainable Brands

So, why should you support ethical and sustainable fashion brands? It can be a tough decision when fast fashion offers such an overwhelming selection at shocking low prices. If you’ve ever found yourself hovering over an impossibly cheap dress that felt like a must-have, you understand. Here are a few reasons you’ll want to pause before your next “disposable” clothing purchase and consider more ethical and sustainable options:

 

Quality Over Quantity

We won’t sugar coat it. The phrase “you get what you pay for” is usually true. Sure, you could stock up on drop-shipped goods and barely see a dent in your bank account, but you’ll be unpleasantly surprised when your package arrives. Unethical brands have to cut corners to keep prices low, so they use cheaper materials and questionable production techniques. 

 

Trendy < Timeless

Trust us, we love a closet full of beautiful clothes (who doesn’t?) but we also know the value of high-quality, timeless pieces that will last. Ethical and sustainable brands, like Grey State Apparel, focus on slowly building offerings to include always-in-style essentials rather than fleeting trends you’ll only wear once. When you can style your favorites multiple ways, you won’t feel the constant need to shop.

 

Show Some Love

Paying a little more for high-quality pieces from an ethical brand can create positive ripples of change. They invest back into their workers by ensuring fair living wages, safe working conditions, reasonable working hours, and more. They may also invest in environmental and social initiatives to give local and global communities much-needed resources. Your support allows these brands to keep making clothes (a win for you) and continue to set a standard for the industry. 

 

Ready To Shop Ethical & Sustainable Brands?

Each purchase you make matters. If all of this information has you feeling inspired, you can take your first step by shopping more sustainably. Explore styles that feature USA cotton, natural and non-toxic dyes, and recycled fabrics today. 


When you opt for more conscious fashion, you’ll be doing more than just treating yourself (though that’s a plus, too). You’ll be supporting real people, reducing the demand for low-quality clothing, and helping to raise the standard for the entire industry. 


Shop Grey State Apparel’s sustainable essentials—and take the leap to more ethical shopping today.

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